Woodchuck Etiquette

Fantastic Mr. Woodchuck has been getting questions about both woodchuck etiquette and woodchucks in general. Here are miscellaneous thoughts:

(1) Most woodchucks don't like being called groundhogs. The term "groundhog" is somewhat perjorative. For example, little chucks are often told that, if they don't practice their table manners, others will call them "groundhogs." Occasionally, you may hear a woodchuck referred to as a "whistlepig." Whistlepigs are just woodchucks that truly love life. They're cheeky and cheery and a real joy to be around.

(2) Even though most woodchucks don't like to be called groundhogs, it's perfectly okay to say that a woodchuck went a little hog-wild at a social occasion.

(3) If you're writing to (Even More) Fantastic Mrs. Woodchuck, it's not necessary to use the "Even More" prefix, provided that she understands you think she is.

(4) Even good woodchucks sometimes get a little groundhoggish every now and then. However, 10-20 minutes of quality buckling time is usually enough to make all but the crankiest woodchucks feel good again.

(5) Woodchucks are like any group of individuals. Although most like both types of music (i.e., country and western), some like a variety of styles.